Fee: $5/day parking; camping $20-$25/site; boat launch $10-$25
About this park
Kachemak Bay State Park, near Homer, is Alaska's first state park, covering about 400,000 acres of mountains, glaciers and coastline across Kachemak Bay. Its rugged, wild character and lack of road access make it feel like a true frontier. The park can be reached only by boat or floatplane, and visitors explore beaches, forest trails and glacier views. Popular destinations include Grewingk Glacier and the small coves of the bay, and wildlife such as sea otters, whales and bears is common. Camping and cabins give options for longer trips. Parking is $5 per day, camping runs $20 to $25 per site, and boat launch fees range from $10 to $25. Water taxis from Homer are the easiest way to reach the park.